Old Dominion Fechtschule

A Chapter of Selohaar Fechtschule

Who We Are

The Old Dominion Fechtschule (German for 'Fencing School') is a group of
individuals interested in pursuing the Martial Arts traditions of
Medieval and Renaissance Europe. The club focuses on the fighting techniques of the German
fencing tradition established by Johannes Liechtenauer in the 14th
century. The club is a chapter of the greater organization, Selohaar
Fechtschule, which is headed by Christian Tobler, internationally
renowned instructor and author.

We
approach training in a holistic manner, encompassing several aspects of
the German Martial Arts system creating a steady transition between
several different period weapons and even unarmed techniques. Although
instruction is primarily rooted in unarmored longsword technique (Blossfechten), other weapons, including dagger, spear, poleaxe, and Messer are
integrated into the curriculum. To complement the armed techniques,
unarmed portions of the art are also taught, which include defenses
against an armed adversary, as well as wrestling and grappling.

Look around our website and if you have any comments or questions, please feel free to contact us. We hope to see you again! Check back later for new updates to our website. There’s much more to come!

Why Study a Historical Martial Art?

The chances you are going to encounter a situation requiring a response with sword, spear, or poleaxe are pretty slim in this day and age. Why then do we study the fighting techniques of obsolete weapons? In his book “Fighting with the German Longsword”, Christian Tobler cites many reasons why someone would want to pursue Historical Martial Arts. Reasons are broad and vary from exercise, personal fulfillment, or just plain fun; to being able to “touch a piece of the past” or feeling closer to one’s ancestors. Whatever motivation brings you to practice Historical European Martial Arts, it is the honor and privilege of the Old Dominion Fechtschule to assist you in achieving goals and broadening your understandings of the Art.